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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Flu jab

21 replies

8dpwoah · 09/02/2021 22:21

Had my GP appointment today to do referral to midwives (that's what my NHS trust do) and she mentioned flu jab. I had it last pregnancy no worries and I'm absolutely all for vaccination BUT I am doing really well at not seeing people and wonder if the benefit of the flu jab at this stage of the flu season, when I'm WFH at mo as well, probably til Easter, is worth the risk of going to the surgery to have it.

I'll obviously have my whooping cough at the right time but I can't decide about the flu, this time. What would you do?

OP posts:

Original poster

8dpwoah · 09/02/2021 22:23

I get that medical facilities are very good at covid security etc btw, I don't mean to criticise the surgery when I describe it as a risk. DD had some of her jabs during previous lockdowns and all fine but I just can't shake the feeling the flu jab might be a bit pointless for me this time.

OP posts:

Chelyanne · 09/02/2021 22:25

I decided not to have the flu vaccine this time.
They were offering to do it at the sonographg department when I went for my dating scan today too.

PutOnAHappyFace · 09/02/2021 22:27

I'm guessing you will at some point have to go for your midwife booking in/12 week scan, so with all the will in the world at avoiding people, it's gonna come to a point that it's unavoidable. I had mine at GP in December, was there for 1 minute, possibly 1min 30 seconds. That to me was minimal contact.

Oh and congratulations

serialplanner · 10/02/2021 03:48

I had it when I had my 20 week scan plus the whooping cough.

To be honest, I feel most safe at the hospital Vs a supermarket etc! Not that I get to go there anymore (35 weeks and BAME so extra careful but was living within guidelines pre 3rd trimester for my sanity!)

savanahnana · 10/02/2021 07:35

I had my whooping cough and flu vaccine at the same time, just different arms. As I wanted to avoid going into the surgery anymore than needed, could you do that?

Reeva1988 · 10/02/2021 07:54

I had my whooping cough at 16 weeks but decided against the flu fab . Only because of covid and working from home I don’t leave the house anyway so figured the chances of catching flu were really slim x

DinosaurDiana · 10/02/2021 07:56

Yes have the flu. People contract flu year round, not just in the winter.
Any protection you get might also be passed onto baby.

MintGreenLife · 10/02/2021 08:56

Flu jab offers baby protection from flu for the first 6 months of their lives. Flu can be very serious in babies, so the jab’s not just for you x

NinaMimi · 10/02/2021 09:05

I get what you’re saying as the chances of getting flu are lower due to staying at home, social distancing etc and you’ve missed a chunk of winter. I got mine back in October. I’d probably still get it just to be sure like people say you can still get the flu later in the year and it offers protection.

Original poster

8dpwoah · 10/02/2021 09:15

@MintGreenLife I've never heard that it gives protection for that long in the baby as well, on that basis as will be an October baby I guess I would be better having it then.

I have had proper flu once in my life, when it was really bad a few years ago, and wouldn't want a repeat of it! Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to have it much past my 12 week scan as that will be around Easter so not sure they will still be giving out beyond then.
Thanks for your replies, guys.

OP posts:

MintGreenLife · 10/02/2021 09:42

@8dpwoah maybe double check the benefits with your midwife, but this is what I was told so worth having I think. Flu season is on the way out now and I think they will stop offering the jab soon, so if you decide to have it you may want to book ASAP.

katiemumma20 · 10/02/2021 09:44

I’d still get it if I was you. My own GP feels extremely safe (had to go for a blood test a few weeks ago). It’s a strongly recommended thing to do in pregnancy and unless you literally are not leaving the house at all and having nothing coming into the house (deliveries etc) and won’t do until your baby is born then I would think you can still catch flu. That being said could you combine it with another trip (like the suggestion about whooping cough?) to minimise risk, and also by then covid cases will have further dropped x

Original poster

8dpwoah · 10/02/2021 10:24

I think I might just go for it you know, will be at least another three weeks before my booking appt so might miss the boat!
It's really helpful to be able to chuck ideas round, thanks ladies.

OP posts:

KHR1 · 10/02/2021 10:27

I went to boots for a free NHS one as it was easier. I felt safer in there as I thought the staff would have seen less people (probably completely wrong but in my mind it was better!)

notalwaysalondoner · 10/02/2021 13:37

I had awful flu last year (had a whole week off work, having previously only ever taken 0.5 days off in 8 years) so I got one anyway, before I got pregnant. I would have had it either way though as the risks are negligible and the NHS recommends it.

Cressie2 · 10/02/2021 19:29

I had the flu jab around 12 weeks (now nearly half way through) as wanted as much protection for my baby as possible. Although your chances of catching flu are lower now you can still get it. Plus it’s free if you’re pregnant. X

AegonT · 10/02/2021 19:51

I would get it even late in the season. My doctorscus very quiet - I only saw the nurse when I went for my whooping cough jab. Lots of sanitizer too. I got my flu jab at the antenatal clinic at my hospital and as I went through the closest entrance it wasn't far to walk in the building and the waiting area was ventilated and spread out, everyone in masks and lots of sanitizer. I felt 100 times safer than at my office.

Original poster

8dpwoah · 10/02/2021 19:55

I'm going to ring in the morning- thanks for the head wobble everyone. I've had every other jab going quite happily as I'm absolutely pro-vaccination and to turn it down due to a tiny interaction with another person would be very silly. Can I blame my hormones already for my muddled thinking 🤣.

Dare I mention I will be eligible for the covid vaccine through work soon 🙈 whole different conversation that one I think!

OP posts:

katiemumma20 · 10/02/2021 20:09

Oh gosh that’s a tricky decision! I know someone who’s pregnant who had it today. I’m a teacher so debating if I’d have if it offered, really hard decision x

Original poster

8dpwoah · 10/02/2021 20:29

I work in a pru, although not teaching I work directly with students so I'm a bit torn. GP said do a careful read of the RCOG guidance as a starting point. I'm know the lack of safety data is due to the ethics of doing clinical trials on pregnant and breastfeeding women rather than any inherent danger but there is just that nagging 'what if' isn't there 😬 although the type of vaccine that it is also makes me feel a bit more confident. I think.

OP posts:

PinkPlantCase · 10/02/2021 20:51

I’m not having the flu Jab OP. I had whooping cough but it seemed pretty pointless to have the flu jab. On average it’s roughly 40% effective and I’m not going anywhere to get the flu where I might normally. Yes I’m going to hospital appointments but with social distancing and masks we’re a lot more protected against the normal flu than before!

I find it odd how a lot of doctors can be so anti medication of any kind during pregnancy but then they push vaccinations and I’m bitter because I had to stop taking a lot of medication before TTC

Go for it if you want it though OP, obviously it’s what’s recommended!

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